The President of Ennis Chamber says the hospitality sector is facing a ‘massive staff retention crisis’ due to repeated COVID-19 restrictions.
An 8pm closing time takes effect for pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres from today – with 50 per cent capacity for large events.
The measures coming into effect today will stay in place until the end of January to tackle the Omicron variant, which is now the dominant strain in Ireland.
The restrictions are being kept under review, with new financial measures aimed at supporting affected businesses expected to be announced by the government shortly.
However, concern is being expressed locally that those supports are not enough to impact significant staff turnover in the hospitality sector.
Ennis publican Darragh McAllister says employees are opting out of the industry due to uncertainty around the implementation of restrictions over the last two years.
The Vice Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum is expressing frustration at the differences in guidelines between hotels and standalone pubs and restaurants.
While COVID certs are now in operation in hotels, overnight guests can use bar facilities in them for longer than 8pm.
Operations Manager at Durty Nelly’s in Bunratty, Maurice Walsh, says he’s concerned about maintaining his staff.
Wedding receptions are also capped at 100 guests from today.
Grainne McGibney, who’s Wedding and Events Planner at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, feels couples weren’t given enough notice to cut their invite lists.
The Clare Chair of the VFI says the restrictions will impact business owners mentally as well as financially.
Ennis publican Charlie O’ Meara, says Christmas and New Year’s are going to be tough going for those in the sector.
